What do you do when everyone has a “dream” but you?
For years, I stayed silent when teachers asked about my future. I didn’t have a grand passion; I just had a laptop, a degree in English Literature, and a deep desire for a path that actually felt like me.
My journey didn’t start with a “boss babe” vision. It started with a bachelor’s degree that felt like a dead end and a devastating rejection from a government teaching program. I remember the mental breakdown after that rejection—I thought it was my only shot at stability. But looking back, that “No” was the biggest blessing.
On December 17th, 2019, I deleted my old life and started VA On A Mission. I was tired of the “make money online” rabbit hole and B2B schemes that required investments I couldn’t afford. I decided to take what I already loved—tinkering on my laptop and being creative—and turn it into a service. My first client found me in a Facebook group just by me introducing myself. I had zero “corporate” experience and a lot of fake confidence, but I nailed those first graphics. I realized then: I don’t need to fit the corporate mold to be successful.
Value: If you are a sister sitting where I was—feeling insecure while watching others post their “exciting” careers—here is your 101 blueprint to starting your own VA business the right way:
1. Systems Before Sales (Learn from my mistake!)
One of my biggest mistakes was not having a way to get paid. My first potential client found me, but because I had no professional way to invoice her, I ended up doing the work for free. To avoid this, you should set up a professional payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal Business immediately. Once your payments are secure, integrate a scheduling tool like Calendly. The free version allows you to set up one “Discovery Call” appointment type, which eliminates the endless back-and-forth emails. By having these tools ready, you show up as a professional from day one, ensuring your Rizq (provision) has a clear path to reach you.
- Onboarding is Queen: Make the process smooth and interactive. A client who feels taken care of from the first minute is a client who stays.
2. The Beginner’s Tech Stack (The $0 Essentials)
You don’t need a fancy office. I started with a laptop bought for my dissertation! Use these free tools to look like a pro:
- Calendly: For a seamless booking experience (the free version is all you need for years!).
- Trello: To build your client portals and keep your own brain organized.
- Canva: For branding your visual identity and standing out in your niche.
3. Stop Pitching, Start Posting
I’ve never been a fan of aggressive pitching or cold-calling. My business grew through attraction marketing, which is perfect if you’re a bit more reserved. Instead of chasing clients, use your Instagram as a living portfolio. Follow creators who inspire you and start posting what you are learning in real-time. If you just mastered a new tool or organized a beautiful workspace, share it! When you show up as yourself (values and all), you naturally attract ideal clients who are looking for your specific heart and talent.
4. Turn Your Hobbies into Rizq
You don’t need a new certification to start; you just need to offer what you already know how to do or are willing to learn with excellence. I recommend doing a “Skill Audit”: sit down and list everything you enjoy doing on your laptop, whether it’s organizing files, managing emails, or designing. Once you have your list, use Canva to build your own brand identity. By creating your own logo and social media templates first, you prove your skills to potential clients while standing out in the virtual assistant niche.
5. Kill the Imposter Syndrome
I felt it too, the “lack of experience” fear. But I learned that my ideal clients weren’t looking for a corporate robot; they were looking for me. Serve in your own way, with your own heart, and watch how the right people gravitate toward you.
“Verily, with hardship comes ease.” (Quran 94:6). That failed teaching exam was my hardship, but this business became my ease.
Starting a business shouldn’t feel like a mystery. If you’re ready to stop scrolling and start building your own path, I want to help you skip the “breakdown” phase.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tech, the services, or the “how-to,” let’s do it together. I offer a one-to-one Power Hour session where we sit down and:
- Map out your entire business foundation.
- Set up your essential systems (Trello, Calendly, and more).
- Identify your “Signature Services” based on what you already love doing.
Book a “Power Hour” session with me! Together, we’ll map out your entire business, set up your essential systems, and pick your signature services so you can launch with total confidence.
